Check in anytime after 3 at the Latoka Lodge and Bungalows on the shores of lovely Lake Latoka.
Bruce Miller will be the grillmaster! Those coming from a distance can contribute paper goods, beverages, or side dishes from the local supermarket. A list of markets/stores will be provided later.
A time for visiting and catching up around the fire-pit on the beach at the Latoka Lodge.
Either meet at the lodge for breakfast together, including those staying off site, or on your own in your cabin/hotel.
Time for family updates! We’ll pass out booklets with info on Lien Township and significant locations, as well as the day’s agenda. We’ll have photos and memorabilia, Mary Blixrud Sletten will have family tree info, and of course there will be coffee!
Time for the short jaunt (abt 7 miles) to Elbow Lake where we’ll tour the Grant County Historical Society museum.
This is a great local museum! Family history is well-represented here, including Berit Lommen Lee’s loom (which traveled with her from Norway), Immanuel Lutheran Church history, Tom’s WWII service info and uniform, and general history of Grant County.
The museum has an extensive collection of genealogical photographs as well, and we’re related to quite a few of the people on the walls….
We have scheduled a personalized tour with Patty Olson Benson, curator, who happens to be an Ackerson cousin of Carolyn.
And hot off the press: the Grant County Veteran’s Memorial was just dedicated over the July 4th weekend! We’ll add that to our tour agenda for Monday (it is located on the grounds of the new medical center in Elbow Lake, a couple of blocks from the museum).
Hans House, on the main drag in Elbow Lake, will be our lunch venue. There is a semi-private area reserved for us; we’ll order off the regular menu (and we hear they serve breakfast all day!).
The Grant County Veterans Memorial was just completed and dedicated. The memorial is located on the grounds of Prairie Ridge Hospital at 1411 State Highway 79 E, Elbow Lake, MN
We’ll regroup back at Peace Church before embarking on our driving tour of Lien Twp.
We’ll have maps of significant places in the Blixrud family history, and lots of photo opportunities! The venues include:
- Immanuel Cemetery Walk- with details on the life and times of our family connections there
- District 14 School House
- Home Farm of Jens and Jøren, later John and Alma, and still later Tom and Carolyn
The original Blixrud homestead site is now owned by Todd and Sheila Ronhovde. Todd is descended from Jens and Jøren through Grandfather John Benjamin’s sister, Anne.
We can tour Barrett sites:
- Jøren’s home “in town”: now known as 425 River Street. The current owner is willing to let us take a group photo in front of the house!
- Roosevelt Hall
- Lakeside Pavilion (alas, roller skating is no longer available!)
Regroup back at the church for coffee and visiting.
A simple catered supper is in the planning stages. More details to follow!
Wendy Blixrud Beckmann is coordinating our Hymn Sing at Immanuel. A free will offering will be collected to benefit the Cemetery Association, which now owns and maintains the church and cemetery site.
The singalong will be publicized through Peace Lutheran Church in Barrett and will be open to the community. We have some local singers who are excited to take part.
Breakfast at the lodge (or on your own if you prefer).
This is the day to make your own itinerary, individually or in groups! Some optional activities available in the Alexandria area are:
- Carlos Creek Winery Tours (we hear the Hot Dish Red is pretty good)
- Runestone Museum and Big Ole at the park
- Kensington Runestone Park
- Antique shopping
- Fishing- Janet and Bruce are bringing their boat!
- Paddle boats and kayaks are available at the lodge
- A drive-by of 1307 Cedar Street, home to John and Alma 1950 -1969
Please note: Theatre L’Homme Dieu is only open Wed- Sat for those of you who are interested in summer stock theater productions
Non-hosted dinner at a restaurant of your choosing.
Alexandria has a variety of options, with a selection of restaurants in and near town and at various resorts.
Gather back at Latoka Lodge for an evening by the fire pit to relax and enjoy family fellowship.
Checkout time at the Latoka Lodge is 10:00AM.
We can meet for breakfast at the Traveler’s Inn, downtown Alexandria, where we have the ‘back room’ reserved.
We can gather there any time after 9:00AM, have breakfast, and say our farewells.